-History of H.M.S. Hood-Battle of the Denmark Strait Research MaterialsUpdated
04-Dec-2017

The purpose of this page is to provide a resource of documents specifically related to the "Battle of the Denmark Strait" of 24 May 1941. The documents, both firsthand contemporary materials plus newer working notes and recollections, are available to individuals interested in re-examining the battle in detail. They will hopefully prove useful to anyone with a sincere desire to determine the exact chain of events which made up this famous sea battle.

If you know of something that we have missed, or, see something that is not correct, please contact our staff. We would be delighted for your assistance.

This effort was originally necessitated by several minor discrepancies or discontinuities associated with the commonly accepted version of the battle: Most of said issues are related to the actions of the German force composed of the battleship "Bismarck" and the heavy cruiser "Prinz Eugen". Specifically, some ranges, exact intervals, headings and movements of the vessels (primarily Bismarck) are not well documented and can thusly be viewed as somewhat questionable.

The minor problems mentioned above have led some to believe that the battle did not unfold as recounted in various books written by participants, or in the official German and British versions of the battle. One theory even went so far as to suggest that many of the famous German battle photos and probably elements of the battle film itself were consistently printed/shown in reverse from May 1941 onward. It was initially because of this theory that efforts were made by this web site and others to obtain all known source documents related to the battle. Note- We have reviewed all firsthand source material and have even interviewed actual battle participants. Our own review of available materials has led us to conclude that the reversed photo theory is unfounded. This view has been further corroborated by surviving eyewitness officers from Prinz Eugen (the ship from which the photos and film were taken) who have stated that the "reversed photo" theory is absolutely wrong. Lastly, we should also note that not only is the issue nonsense/hokum, it is also not particularly relevant to Hood's involvement in the battle.

Despite the advances made in recent years, some aspects of this battle continue to be sources of debate. With this in mind, if you are someone interested in researching the various aspects of this famous battle, please feel free to use the following materials/links. Ignore books and theories- instead, first review the data below then make up your own mind. With this in mind, we recommend that you skip Section IV until after you have reached your conclusions. Afterwards, read the theories in Item IV as well as various books/articles to see what others have arrived at.

Prinz Eugen Rheinübung Film- This is a film shot by a PK detachment assigned to Prinz Eugen. The film shows Bismarck to starboard and slightly aft of Prinz Eugen firing on the near side. There is no sign of the original negative.

Battle Photos- Review of photos taken during the battle. Some of these are "stills" taken from the battle film, some appear to be separate entities.

Signal Magazine - September 1941 (Issue 17) featured eyewitness artwork by PK man J.C. Schmitz. The artwork is based upon battle photos and is authenticated by Prinz Eugen's captain, Helmuth Brinkmann.

ADM 1/19140 – Sinking of H.M.S. Hood: conflicting reports by German officers. Sinking of Hood by Long Range Torpedoes. An unfounded rumour. Of no use to this effort.

ADM 1/11726 – Loss of Hood in action with German battleship Bismarck: report of Board of Inquiry. This is merely a summary of the loss of Hood with largely information derived from the main inquiry documents (which are already available here). Thus, this version is not really of any use to this effort.

ADM 116/4351 – Loss of H.M.S. Hood in action with German battleship Bismarck: Boards of Inquiry. Primary Source. Extra information (times, ranges, etc.) on the battle. Best source for information on the actual sinking of Hood.

ADM 116/4352 – Loss of H.M.S. Hood in action with German battleship Bismarck: Boards of Inquiry. Primary Source. Extra information times, ranges, etc.) on the battle. Best source for information on the actual sinking of Hood.

ADM 53/114888 – H.M.S. Prince of Wales log May 1941. Nothing detailed, except that it confirms her speed as being 28 knots or higher.

ADM 53/115099 – H.M.S. Suffolk's log May 1941

ADM 53/114810 – H.M.S. Norfolk's log May 1941

ADM 199/1187 – Pursuit and destruction of German Battleship Bismarck. This appears to be rehash of inquiry documents.

ADM 199/1188 – Pursuit and destruction of German Battleship Bismarck. This also appears to be rehash of inquiry documents.

AIR 15/415 – Report from Sunderland aircraft of Hood's loss. A detailed aerial eyewitness account of the battle.

McMullen Letter – Letter from Colin McMullen (Gunnery Officer of Prince of Wales) to Ludovic Kennedy in the early 1970s. Describes the Battle of the Denmark Strait from his point of view. Interesting information concerning the difficulty experienced in initially ranging Prinz Eugen and Bismarck.